Performing Arts
The Performing Arts Department is based in a purpose built and well resourced Drama Studio within the Arts Block at John Spence.
Currently Year 7 pupils receive one Performing Arts lesson per week. Pupils in Years 8 and 9 receive one period of Drama within a fortnightly timetable.
Key Stage 3
The projects in Year 7 introduce some key concepts in drama. They are designed to set a foundation for development and progression during the rest of KS3.
Bullying
This project looks at the issue of bullying from all perspectives. At the end of the project, groups of students perform an improvisation about a student who is bullied at school.
Storytelling
This project looks at how to tell a story in a variety of different ways. It also looks at storytelling in another drama tradition. At the end of the project, students perform an improvised drama to the rest of the class based on a story introduced in the project, using a narrator and sound effects.
Text
This project is about using a variety of texts as stimuli for drama. At the end of the project, students perform a scene from the script of a mini-play.
Character
In this project, students learn how a character can be developed. At the end of the project, students perform a brief scene for the characters in their group from a script which they devise.
Introduction to Year 8
The projects in Year 8 are aimed at continuing to develop the key concepts in drama, and building on skills in making and performing drama.
Pantomime
This project is about pantomime. At the end of the project, students perform some scenes from Cinderella from a script.
Peer pressure
This project looks at the influence of peer groups and the possible consequences of peer group pressure.
Tinsel truths
This project looks at films, how they portray characters and situations and how films compare with real life. At the end of the project, students perform an improvisation they have been working on which demonstrates different film genres.
Introduction to Year 9
The projects in Year 9 provide a bridge between Key Stages 3 and 4, and emphasise making, performing and responding to material. During Year 9, there are ample opportunities for students to participate in performance.
Pop culture
This project looks at popular culture and television. At the end of the project, students present a reality television show of their own devising to a specific audience.
Performance
This project looks at creating a performance. At the end of the project, students show a rehearsed presentation lasting up to 15 minutes on a topic of their choice, which includes techniques that have been developed over the course of Key Stage 3.
Media
This project allows pupils to develop skills in photography, video and editing as a preparation for KS4 activities
Key Stage 4
Pupils currently follow the AQA Expressive Arts Syllabus. There is the opportunity for some pupils to take the examination at the end of Year 10 and to move on to the Applied Performing Arts Syllabus in Year 11.
Extra – curricular activities.
The Department promotes a wide range of Performance activities throughout the Year including a Christmas Pantomime, School Productions and Showcases of Talent.
Recent productions have included
The Rocky Monster Show
Grease
Aladdin
The X Factor
Future events include
The X Factor July 2008
Peter Pan December 2008
Department Staff
Mr. D Purvis Head of Department
Mr. T Cooper HOY
